Connecticut House delays campaign finance bill

Lawmakers had intended to fast track a bill that would strengthen the state's campaign finance laws through the House Saturday afternoon when proponents hit several roadblocks.

The bill would have done several things including boost public campaign funds for a gubernatorial candidate, require companies to receive pre-approval from their boards for political expenditures over $4,000, and identify individuals who give more than $1,000 to an entity for political purposes.

Democratic lawmakers expressed concern during a closed-door caucus about increasing the amount a gubernatorial candidate may receive in a general election under the state's Citizens' Election Program from $6 million to $9 million. The amount for a gubernatorial candidate in a primary would increase from $1.25 million to $2.5 million.